Page 80 of Only This Once
Jesse flinched. “How did you know?”
Charles patted him. “That’s pretty common. Emotions can get high during sex. Julia will probably brush it off.” He bit his lip. “Sorry if that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it’ll be okay.”
Jesse pressed his hand into his chest harder. “She did. I didn’t even realize I had said it. She told me I had when I confessed for real.”
Charles’s hand fell away. “Wait, you confessed on purpose?”
“I couldn’t help it.” His stomach twisted at the lie, and he sat up. “No, that’s not true. I wanted to tell her. Not saying it felt like a lie and I just…” He shook his head. “I love her too much not to tell her the truth.”
Charles sighed. “Well, Julia appreciates honesty. What did she say?”
Jesse shook his head. “She didn’t know what to say. She did her best to let me down easy.”
Charles wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer. “I’m sorry.”
Having him apologize made Jesse feel even worse. “She made it very clear things would be casual from the start.”
“Doesn’t make it any easier.” His big brother continued to hug him.
Jesse sucked in a shaky breath. “I’m just worried she’s going to start avoiding me.”
Charles remained quiet. Jesse appreciated that his brother didn’t deny the likelihood of that happening, even if he would have liked to hear false reassurances. Charles didn’t believe in kind falsehoods.
In the silence the vibration of his phone sounded loud. He wiped at his eyes, reaching for it.
His heart raced reading Julia’s text. ‘Want to go hiking again?’
He thumbed out a response. ‘Yes! Absolutely! Right now?’
Charles snorted over his shoulder. “Desperate much?”
“Shut up,” Jesse muttered, staring at the dots that popped up. “I seriously love her.”
His brother patted his shoulder. “I know you do. She must feel something for you, at least. I mean, she suggested hiking.” Charles shook his head. “Julia hates the outdoors.”
“She doesn’t hate it. Last time, she—”
‘You seem excited. Sure. I’ll head your way.’
“She’s heading here!” Jesse scrambled up from the bed, moving to his dresser. “I have to change.”
Charles laughed. “You seem to be doing fine.”
Jesse paused. “Thanks for worrying about me.”
“It’s been nice to have you back. You can always talk to me, you know.” Charles groaned a little when he pushed to his feet.
Jesse snorted. “Old man.”
“Shut up.” There was no heat in the retort. He stretched. “I really am getting old, though.”
Jesse took in his brother’s half smile. Charles had a big heart. He was handsome and friendly and one of the best guys Jesse knew. And he was perpetually single. “Hey, same goes. I’m here if you ever want to talk.”
Charles stared at him for a moment, then laughed. He stepped closer to ruffle Jesse’s hair again. “I’m all good, kid.”
Jesse batted at his hand. “Quit that!”
“Stop worrying about me and go get ready for your date.”
